There is currently a national shortage of STI collection kits for APTIMA testing. This shortage will affect APTIMA testing for Chlamydia, Gonococcus, Trichomonas and Mycoplasma Genitalium (MGen). Spectrum Health Laboratories does offer alternative collection devices and testing for Chlamydia, Gonococcus and Trichomonas.
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Advanced Technology Laboratory
Advanced Technology Laboratory, Compliance & Safety, Education & Training, General Information, Main lab, Microbiology, Molecular Diagnostics, Test Utilization
REMINDER: Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) PCR and HSV Culture Orders
Please refer to the below for Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) orders:
Advanced Technology Laboratory, Cytogenetics, General Information, Referral/Sendouts
Test Update: Chromosome Analysis Breakage Study
Effective immediately, due to low test utilization and the high cost of maintaining proficiency, the Chromosome Analysis Breakage Study will no longer be offered by the Spectrum Health Cytogenetics Department.
If need arises for this test, please place an order for a Reference Miscellaneous (EPIC# LAB848) and enter “Test 140 DEB Breakage Study to Integrated Genetics” in the comments. The testing will be sent out through Spectrum Health Referrals Department to Integrated Genetics.
Advanced Technology Laboratory, Education & Training, General Information, Referral/Sendouts
Covid-19 Information
New posts will appear below this post.
Updated 8/17/20
Spectrum Health Laboratories is accepting COVID test orders from Spectrum Health and outside providers. For additional information, please refer to our Outpatient Provider Office Collection Information Packet. This packet contains ordering and supply information as well as other related information.
•Spectrum Health Laboratory offers nasal self-collection observation at select draw sites.
•If you’re interested in having your patient tested via nasopharyngeal swab and you cannot collect specimens in your office, please direct your patient to the screening hotline: 833.559.0659. Screening is required before COVID collection and testing can occur for the hotline. If a patient already has a nasopharyngeal or nares order and would like to schedule a collection via phone, they can call 616-391-2380.
• Patients can also self screen and schedule through the MyChart App
Providers: COVID-19 testing criteria:
LINK: Symptoms of COVID-19 (CDC guidelines)
LINK: Testing criteria (CDC guidelines)
Facilities: If you would like to receive testing for your staff and/or residents please follow these instructions:
•Call: 616-486-1075 or
•Email: covidemployerhotline@spectrumhealth.org
Outpatient Draw Site Hours:
Outpatient draw site hours and availability may have changed. Please refer to Find-A-Doc for more information.
• Link: Find-A-Doc Location
Preferred Collection:
Nasopharyngeal (NP) swabs are the preferred specimen type.
Link: Nasopharyngeal Collection
If NP swabs cannot be collected, anterior nasal swabs may be collected as an alternative with slightly reduced sensitivity.
Compliance & Safety, Education & Training, Microbiology, Molecular Diagnostics, Referral/Sendouts, Test Utilization
Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) PCR Testing Update
Click on images for printable pdf version.
General Information, Immunochemistry, Microbiology, Molecular Diagnostics, Referral/Sendouts
Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) IgM Antibody Testing Update
As of November 25th 2019 the following tests for Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) IgM antibody testing will be obsoleted.
Herpes IgM Antibody Screen – LAB3576
Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) Antibody Screen, IgM, by EIA, Serum – LAB3578
Herpes Simplex Panel – LAB1230539
Effective Wednesday, November 13, 2019, the new Mycoplasma genitalium (mgen) assay is now available using the Aptima target nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT) for the qualitative detection of ribosomal RNA (rRNA) from Mycoplasma genitalium to aid in the diagnosis of M. genitalium urogenital infections in male and female patients.